South Lakes Safari Zoo
Sightseeing attraction | Ulverston | England | United Kingdom
The South Lakes Safari Zoo in Ulverston, England, is a well-known attraction in the Cumbria region that draws visitors with a unique blend of nature experience and animal diversity. The zoo covers about 21 hectares and was founded in 1994 by David Gill. It is located near the Lake District, but is fully part of the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness and is known for its proximity to the wild beauty of the southern lakes region. The zoo advertises itself as offering an immersive journey into the world of animals, where visitors have the opportunity to get up close to some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
A central feature of the South Lakes Safari Zoo is its concept of presenting animals in as natural environments as possible. Visitors can wander through expansive areas where animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and emus roam freely. Equally impressive are the walk-in aviaries where colorful birds like parrots and flamingos fly overhead. Highlights also include interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes or observing penguins up close, making the zoo particularly appealing to families. Another focus is on large mammals, including white rhinos, lions, tigers, bears, jaguars, wolves, and giant tortoises housed in spacious enclosures.
The zoo prides itself on housing over 1,000 animals, including many endangered species such as Sumatran tigers or snow leopards. In addition to mammals, there is also a variety of primates, including gibbons and baboons, as well as exotic birds like Andean condors and vultures. Particularly unique is the opportunity to participate in special experiences, such as being a zookeeper for a day, providing visitors with a deeper insight into the care and conservation of the animals. The zoo supports various conservation projects worldwide, highlighting its commitment to species protection.
The grounds themselves are designed to utilize the natural topography of the area, with gentle hills and paths leading through different habitats. There are several dining establishments, including a restaurant serving classic British dishes like fish and chips, as well as smaller kiosks for snacks and drinks. Picnics are not allowed in the zoo, but visitors can leave the grounds to eat in their car and return. A large souvenir shop offers a wide selection of mementos, with proceeds partially going towards conservation initiatives. The zoo is designed to be accessible, though some steeper sections may pose a challenge for wheelchair users.
However, the history of the South Lakes Safari Zoo is not without controversies. Under founder David Gill's leadership, the zoo experienced rapid growth and became one of the most successful tourist attractions in Cumbria. Over the years, significant criticism arose regarding the living conditions and safety. Between 2013 and 2017, several incidents came to light, including the death of a staff member due to a tiger attack in 2013, and reports of numerous animal deaths due to neglect or inadequate care. These issues led to Gill losing his license in 2017, and the zoo being taken over by the Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd., under whose management a comprehensive restructuring began. New enclosures were built, the number of animals reduced, and transparency towards the public increased.
Despite efforts for improvement, controversies persisted. Animal welfare organizations like Born Free continued to criticize the conditions, especially the housing of large animals like rhinos, which were kept indoors for extended periods. These ongoing problems eventually led to the zoo announcing its closure by the end of 2024, with the remaining animals to be relocated to other facilities. This decision was welcomed by animal rights activists who had long advocated for improvements in living conditions or closure.
In conclusion, the South Lakes Safari Zoo was a place that delighted visitors with its proximity to exotic animals and picturesque location, but was also shaped by its tumultuous history and challenges in animal welfare. It offered a variety of experiences, from interactive animal encounters to educational insights into conservation, but was unable to fully overcome criticism of its living conditions. With its closure, a chapter ends for this attraction that will be remembered for both its ambitions and weaknesses.
